The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma will on Saturday, 5 February host a reception and dinner for over 300 guests at the Cape Sun Intercontinental Hotel. Hosting this dinner for foreign diplomats has become customary for Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the opening of Parliament.
This occasion will offer an opportunity for the Minister and her colleagues in Cabinet to interact with Heads of Missions and South African members of parliament of the respective foreign affairs parliamentary committees.
Deputy President Jacob Zuma, the host Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the Dean of the diplomatic corps, High Commissioner Mudavadi will address the gathering. Amongst the dignitaries expected at the dinner are the following:
the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Frene Ginwala;
the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms GNM Pandor;
the Premiers of the nine provinces;
the Mayor of Cape Town, Ms N Mfeketo;
the Mayor of the Cape Metropolitan Council, Reverend W Bantom;
representatives of business, academics, parliamentary media representatives.
The new Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sipho Pityana and his counterparts from other government departments will also be attending.
The sounds of the Soweto String Quartet will welcome guests upon arrival and provide soothing music during the dinner. The popular "Sylvia Mdunyelwa Band", a local band will also provide musical entertainment.
The main sponsor of the event is BMW (South Africa). Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (SFW) has sponsored all the wines for the event. Pernod Ricard will sponsor the Jameson Whisky to be served as after dinner drinks.
There will be a photo opportunity in the Stellenbosch Room at 20.15 with the VIP’s in attendance. Photographers will also be welcome to photograph guests in the foyer at the VOC Centre from 19.30 – 20.00. Photographers will also be welcome to be in the main hall to cover the welcoming remarks by the Deputy Minister at 20.30 and the speeches by the Deputy President and Minister at about 21.00.
PLEASE CONFIRM WITH MR KANGELANI HLONGWANE BY FRIDAY, 4 FEBRUARY
CELL : 082-557 0978
OFFICE : (021) 464 3716/00
FAX: (021) 461-7911
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
3 FEBRUARY 2000